F&W board discussing hatchery report, fish issues

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a workshop on hatchery reform, as well as consider land acquisitions and forest restoration projects in connection with its meeting Feb. 6-8.

The commission’s work will kick off on Thursday at 8 a.m. with a workshop on the key findings of a recently completed report about hatchery reform. That report, “A review of hatchery reform science in Washington State,” can be found online at https://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/02121.

The report examines scientific information on actions available to hatchery management for balancing the risks and benefits of hatchery programs. It was written by WDFW staff and underwent multiple rounds of independent review by a panel of eight scientists with the Washington State Academy of Sciences.

The commission directed WDFW in 2018 to review and update its Hatchery and Fishery Reform Policy, and this report is part of that effort. For more information on hatchery reform, visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/management/hatcheries/hatchery-reform-policy-review.

On Friday, commissioners are expected to hear a briefing on 14 possible future land transactions around the state and hear briefings on several topics, including next steps for the Columbia River policy review, Grays Harbor salmon management policy, and sturgeon stock status in the Lower Columbia River.

On Saturday, staff will brief the commission on laws and regulations that apply to hunting and fishing contests and provide an update on recent changes to hunting contests in other states. Additionally, commissioners will hear from staff on best practices related to small-scale habitat projects specifically related to pollinators and backyard sanctuaries.